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Navigating the Supermarket for Lower Sodium Foods

Jacqueline Gomes, RD, MBA
Corporate Dietitian, Pathmark Stores

Navigating the supermarket for lower sodium foods can be a challenge, especially when consumers put so much emphasis on processed foods. During a store tour I spend time educating consumers on what classifies a food as “low sodium” and how they can incorporate more naturally low sodium foods in their diets. Here are some tips you can share with your clients:

Read Labels: Although it is best to avoid processed and canned foods because of their higher levels of sodium, consumers can use label reading as a way to look for the most appropriate foods that fall into this category. Encourage items that say “low sodium” or “reduced sodium”. Classic examples of where you may find these include canned soups and vegetables and some breads. For example, certain bread manufactures are now reformulating recipes with less sodium (130mg versus 220mg per slice) – that’s a great savings! Consider soups; some brands have up to 45% less sodium than their regular varieties. These items come in handy for busy families who need a simple meal in a hurry; soups are also a great way to get more vegetables in the diet. For consumers who may have more time for meal preparation, instruct them on making homemade soup using a fat free, low sodium chicken or vegetable broth and a variety of vegetables. 

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